Systems and methods for locking a magazine to a firearm

ABSTRACT

A device for converting a firearm to a fixed magazine is disclosed. The device includes a one-way internally threaded bolt comprising of an internally threaded section and a one-way head. The internally threaded section is able to engage with the externally threaded portion of the magazine catch and the head is configured so that a screw driver is only able to rotate the one-way internally threaded bolt in a tightening direction. A method for loading a firearm having a fixed magazine is also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to the following related application(s): U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 62/438,302, filed Dec. 22, 2016, entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCKING A MAGAZINE TO A FIREARM. The content of each of the related application(s) is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Government regulations, including regulations in California, require locking of magazines to certain firearms for various reasons. Solutions are needed to comply with such regulations. This disclosure describes different solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 shows the right side view of an AR-15 type platform, with detailed showings of the magazine (1-1), the magazine release button (1-2), the lower receiver (1-3), the upper receiver (1-4), the pivot pin (1-5), and the takedown pin (1-6);

FIG. 2 shows the left side view of an AR-15 type platform with detailed showings of the magazine catch (2-1);

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of a magazine catch (2-1), a spacer (3-1), and a one-way internally threaded bolt (3-2), hereafter referred to as the Spartan Lock;

FIG. 4 shows a relational view of a magazine catch (2-1), a spacer (3-1), and the Spartan Lock (3-2);

FIG. 5 shows various views of the Spartan Lock (3-2) to include a side view of the shaft (5-1), a view of the one-way head (5-2), and a view of the open end showing the internally threaded portion (5-3). A detailed view of the one-way head (5-2), shows the engagement surfaces of the one-way head (5-2-1), and the sloping surfaces of the one-way head (5-2-2);

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the Spartan Lock (3-2), the spacer (3-1), and the magazine catch (2-1) installed in a lower receiver (1-3);

FIG. 7 shows an AR-15 type platform (FIG. 1), in a partially broken down position with access to the permanently affixed magazine (1-1) for loading, the magazine feed lips (7-1), the Spartan Lock (3-2), the lower receiver (1-3), the upper receiver (1-4), the pivot pin (1-5), and the takedown pin (1-6).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

Referring to FIG. 1, a firearm is shown. While the drawings show an AR-15 type platform, it is understood that any firearm with a detachable magazine (1-1), a magazine release button (1-2) and a magazine catch (2-1), can be used. It is understood that platforms may differ in certain respects and name of parts, however the methods and parts used are easily adaptable to these platforms. As with most rifles, a magazine (1-1) is retained in the lower receiver (1-3) by a magazine catch (2-1). Multiple rounds of ammunition can be secured in, and fed by, the magazine (1-1) into the firing chamber of the weapon. Once the magazine (1-1) is empty, a user will typically depress the magazine release button (1-2) which will in turn actuate the magazine catch (2-1). Actuation of the magazine catch (2-1) will push the magazine catch (2-1) away from the lower receiver (1-3) and will disengage the magazine (1-1) allowing it to be removed from the lower receiver (1-3). The magazine (1-1) can either be replaced with another magazine (1-1) or the reloaded magazine (1-1). This mechanism allows for quick reloading of the firearm (FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 2, a close up view of the magazine release area of an AR15 type platform is shown.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the magazine catch (3-1), the spacer (3-2), and the internally threaded bolt (3-3), hereafter referred to as the Spartan Lock are shown. In use, the user will remove the stock magazine release button (1-2) and replace it with the spacer (3-2) and secure the spacer (3-2) with the Spartan Lock (3-3) to the magazine catch (2-1). Ensure a magazine (1-1) is inserted in the lower receiver (1-3) prior to fully tightening the Spartan Lock (3-3). The Spartan Lock (3-3) is comprised of a one-way head (5-2), and an internally threaded section (5-3). The one-way head (5-2) is designed such that a screwdriver can engage the one-way head (5-2) when rotating it in the tightening direction. When trying to rotate the Spartan Lock (3-3) in the loosening direction, the screwdriver will slide up the sloped surface of the one-way head (5-2) and be unable to establish rotation. Thus, once the Spartan Lock (3-3) is fully tightened onto the magazine catch (2-1) the user will not be able to remove the magazine (1-1) from the lower receiver (1-3). This will permanently secure the magazine (1-1) in the receiver (1-3). In some embodiments, the one-way head (5-2), has two engagement surfaces (5-2-1), and two sloped surfaces (5-2-2). When the screwdriver rotates in the tightening direction, the screw driver hits the engagement surfaces (5-2-1), and rotates the Spartan Lock (3-3). When the screw driver is rotated in the opposite direction, it slides up the sloped surfaces (5-2-2) and off the one-way head (5-2) of the Spartan Lock (3-3). Thus, one is only able to insert the Spartan Lock (3-3) with a screw driver. If one wanted to remove the Spartan Lock (3-3), a means other than simple hand tools would need to be employed.

As shown in FIG. 6, a cross section of the magazine catch area (FIG. 3), showing the relationship if the Spartan Lock (3-3), the spacer (3-1), and the magazine catch (2-1), when installed in an AR-15 type platform (FIG. 1). In FIG. 6, the spacer (3-1), is inserted into the right side of the lower receiver (1-3), the magazine catch (2-1) is inserted into the left side of the lower receiver (1-3), and the Spartan Lock (3-3) is inserted into the open end of the spacer (3-1). Using a screwdriver to bite onto the engagement surfaces (5-2-1) of the Spartan Lock (3-3), rotate the Spartan Lock (3-3) in the tightening direction to engage the Spartan Locks' (3-3) internally threaded portion (5-3) with the external threads of the magazine catch (2-1). After initially engaging the Spartan Locks' (3-3) internally threaded portion (5-3) with the external threads of the magazine catch (2-1), insert a magazine (1-1) into the lower receiver (1-3), ensuring the magazine catch (2-1) engages the magazine (1-1). Slight finger pressure on the magazine catch (2-1) will assist in ensuring the magazine (1-1) is properly seated. Complete the tightening of the Spartan Lock (3-3) until the Spartan Lock (3-3) is hand tight, and the head (5-2) is below flush with the spacer (3-1).

As seen in FIG. 7, to load the AR-15 type platform, (FIG. 1) the user would have to at least partially takedown the AR-15 type platform, (FIG. 1), and load the ammunition into the magazine (1-1). This will greatly increase the amount of time that one would need to reload the Ar-15 type platform, (FIG. 1). By installing the Spartan Lock (3-3), it will convert the Ar-15 type platform, (FIG. 1) to a permanently fixed magazine Ar-15 type platform (FIG. 1).

A method for permanently affixing a magazine (1-1) to an Ar-15 type platform (FIG. 1), comprises one or more of the following steps:

Step 1 verify that the Ar-15 type platform (FIG. 1), is unloaded and in a safe condition;

Step 2 remove the magazine release button (1-2), or in the case that a temporary magazine locking device is installed, remove that from the Ar-15 type platform (FIG. 1), according to the manufacturer directions;

Step 3 insert the spacer (3-1) into the lower receiver (1-3) from the right side of the AR- 15 type platform (FIG. 1);

Step 4 insert the magazine catch (2-1) into the lower receiver (1-3) from the left side of the Ar-15 type platform (FIG. 1);

Step 5 insert the Spartan Lock (3-3) into the open end of the spacer (3-1);

Step 6 Using a screwdriver to bite onto the engagement surfaces (5-2-1) of the Spartan Lock (3-3), rotate the Spartan Lock (3-3) in the tightening direction to engage the Spartan Locks' (3-3) internally threaded portion (5-3) with the external threads of the magazine catch (2-1);

Step 7 After initially engaging the Spartan Locks' (3-3) internally threaded portion (5-3) with the external threads of the magazine catch (2-1), insert a magazine (1-1) into the lower receiver (1-3), ensuring the magazine catch (2-1) engages the magazine (1-1). Slight finger pressure on the magazine catch (2-1) will assist in ensuring the magazine (1-1) is properly seated;

Step 8 Complete the tightening of the Spartan Lock (3-3), until the Spartan Lock (3-3) is hand tight, and the head (5-2) is below flush with the spacer (3-1).

As seen in FIG. 7, to load the Ar-15 type platform, (FIG. 1) the user would have to at least partially takedown the Ar-15 type platform, (FIG. 1).

A method for loading a permanently affixed magazine (1-1) in an Ar-15 type platform, (FIG. 1) having a permanently affixed magazine (1-1), comprises one or more of the following steps:

Step 1 verify that the Ar-15 type platform (FIG. 1), is unloaded and in a safe condition;

Step 2 push from the left side of the Ar-15 type platform, (FIG. 1), and/or, pull from the right side, the takedown pin (1-5) to unlock the upper receiver (1-4) from the lower receiver (1-3);

Step 3 allow the upper receiver (1-4) to rotate forward, exposing the lower receiver (1-3), and the magazine (1-1) permanently affixed therein;

Step 4 load ammunition in the magazine (1-1) by placing a single round on the magazine feed lips (7-1), and pressing down on that round until it is captured by the magazine (1-1), repeating until desired amount of rounds have been loaded into the magazine (1-1); and

Step 5 return the upper receiver (1-4) to a closed position and secure the upper receiver (1-4) to the lower receiver (1-3) by reinserting the takedown pin (1-5).

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description of embodiments, together with details of the structures and functions of the embodiments, the disclosure is illustrative only and changes may be made in detail, especially in the matters of shape, size, and the arrangement of parts within the principles of the disclosure, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

It is also to be understood that the above description and the claims drawn to a method may include some indication in reference to certain steps. However, the indication used is only to be viewed for identification purposes and not as a suggestion as to an order for the steps.

A first apparatus comprises: a one-way internally threaded bolt, hereafter referred to as the Spartan Lock, comprising an internally threaded section and a head; wherein the threaded section is able to engage with a standard magazine catch and the head is configured so that a screw driver is only able to rotate the one-way internal threaded bolt in a tightening direction. In one embodiment of the first apparatus, the one-way internally threaded bolt comprises a material that is selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramics, plastics, wood, alloys, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the first apparatus, the first apparatus further comprises a firearm, wherein the firearm comprises a receiver; the one-way internally threaded bolt extends into the receiver, through a spacer, and is engaged with a magazine catch, and when installed in conjunction with a magazine, will permanently affix that magazine in the firearm.

A second apparatus comprises: a one-way internally threaded bolt comprising an internally threaded section and a one-way head, hereafter referred to as the Spartan Lock, wherein the internally threaded section is able to engage with the externally threaded portion of the magazine catch, and the head is configured so that a screw driver is only able to rotate the Spartan Lock in a tightening direction. In one embodiment of the second apparatus, the Spartan Lock comprises a material that is selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramics, plastics, wood, alloys, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the second apparatus, the second apparatus further comprises a spacer comprising a piece that corresponds to the Spartan Lock. In one embodiment of the second apparatus, the Spartan Lock, the spacer, and the magazine catch member are separate. In one embodiment of the second apparatus, the second apparatus further comprising a firearm; wherein the firearm comprises a receiver; the Spartan Lock extends into the receiver and is engaged with the magazine catch and spacer; and the magazine catch and spacer abuts the receiver.

A method comprises: installing the Spartan Lock; and securing the Spartan Lock to a magazine catch and spacer, such that the magazine catch engages a magazine and the magazine cannot be removed from a receiver. In a first embodiment of the method, the method further comprises inserting the magazine into the receiver. In a second embodiment of the method, the method further comprises: moving a takedown pin to a degree to allow an upper receiver to rotate about a pivot pin; rotating the upper to expose an entrance of the magazine; and placing ammunition in the magazine. In an embodiment of the second embodiment, the method further comprises returning the upper to a closed position; and securing the upper to the receiver with the takedown pin.

Spartan Lock Key Terms:

-   1-1 Magazine -   1-2 Magazine Release Button -   1-3 Lower Receiver -   1-4 Upper Receiver -   1-5 Pivot Pin -   1-6 Takedown Pin -   2-1 Magazine Catch -   3-1 Spacer -   3-2 Spartan Lock -   5-1 Spartan Lock—Side View -   5-2 Spartan Lock—Top View -   5-2-1 Spartan Lock Engagement Surface -   5-2-2 Spartan Lock Sloping Surface -   5-3 Spartan Lock—Open End -   7-1 Magazine Feed Lips

A reference letter to new DOJ legislation is provided in the following paragraph.

We have developed the “Spartan Lock” to make available to all users and holders of the weapons identified by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) NEW FIREARMS LEGISLATION, Senate Bill 880/Assembly Bill 1135-Firearms: Assault Weapons, completely compliant with this legislation. (See copy of legislation in its entirety later). The essence of the DOJ legislation's newest version of the law will revise the definition of an “assault weapon” to mean the following: “A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle, pistol, or shotgun that does not have a fixed magazine but has any one of the following and other specifically denoted appurtenances that enhance such weapons:

-   (A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of     the weapon. -   (B) A thumbhole stock. -   (C)A folding or telescoping stock. -   (D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher. -   (E) A flash suppressor. -   (F) A forward pistol grip.     A “fixed magazine” will be defined to mean an ammunition feeding     device, contained in, or permanently attached to, a firearm in such     manner that the device cannot be removed without disassembly of the     firearm action. To learn more about the firearm laws, refer to the     CA Legislation Information page.     http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billSearchCIient.xhtml. The     DOJ has for years been pondering how to limit the ability of     “assault weapons” to be rapidly reloaded. Reloading these weapons by     just releasing the magazine and quickly inserting another magazine.     Sometimes this firepower has even ‘outgunned’ Law Enforcement (LE)     and been contributory to numerous mass shootings and heinous acts by     individuals, groups, and terrorists. This new legislation has been     drafted specifically to address this issue. Our “Spartan Lock” is a     small self, or gun dealer, gunsmith, simply installed device to     convert these weapons with NON-FIXED MAGAZINES into compliance with     the new California legislation and laws.     We expect that “Spartan Lock” will also enable users to comply with     similar laws in other states as well. The Spartan Lock permanently     attaches to a firearm its ammunition feeding device/magazine in such     manner that the device cannot be removed without disassembly of the     firearm action. The Spartan Lock once affixed is permanent and would     require machining to remove the lock or magazine. Thereby forcing     these firearms to become as safe as the call for good gun control     can apply. In short, this device when installed will make such     firearms compliant with the new legislation. As opposition to the     new legislation grows the “Spartan Lock” will give users the ability     to remove their firearms from the ‘EVIL’ assault weapon category and     not find themselves out of compliance with the law and facing     potentially severe civil and criminal penalties. The “Spartan Lock”     is intended to make compliance with the new legislation viable and     less distasteful, thereby helping accomplish the overall goal of     public safety and overall good of the populace.

A copy of the text from the “CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE BUREAU OF FIREARMS New Firearms Legislation, Senate Bill 880/Assembly Bill 1135—Firearms: Assault Weapons, Effective Jan. 1, 2017, “Bullet Button” firearms will be considered assault weapons” is provided in the following paragraph.

The newest version of the law will revise the definition of “assault weapon” to mean the following:

Rifles: A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that does not have a fixed magazine but has any one of the following:

-   (A) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of     the weapon. -   (B) A thumbhole stock. -   (C) A folding or telescoping stock. -   (D) A grenade launcher or flare launcher. -   (E) A flash suppressor. -   (F) A forward pistol grip. -   A semiautomatic, centerfire rifle that has a fixed magazine with the     capacity to accept more than 10 rounds. A semiautomatic, centerfire     rifle that has an overall length of less than 30 inches.

Pistols: A semiautomatic pistol that does not have a fixed magazine but has any one of the following:

-   (A) A threaded barrel capable of accepting a flash suppressor     forward handgrip, or silencer. -   (B) A second handgrip. -   (C) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely     encircles, the barrel that allows the bearer to fire the weapon     without burning the bearer's hand, except a slide that encloses the     barrel. -   (D) The capacity to accept a detachable magazine at some location     outside of the pistol grip. -   A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity     to accept more than 10 rounds.

Shotguns: A semiautomatic shotgun that has both of the following:

-   (A) A folding or telescoping stock. -   (B) A pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of     the weapon, thumbhole stock, or vertical handgrip. -   A semiautomatic shotgun that has the ability to accept a detachable     magazine. -   Any shotgun with a revolving cylinder.     The law will exempt from punishment a person who possessed a bullet     button assault weapon prior to Jan. 1, 2017, if specified     requirements are met:     -   Prior to Jan. 1, 2017, the person would have been eligible to         register the assault weapon pursuant to subdivision (b) of         section 30900.     -   The person lawfully possessed that assault weapon prior to Jan.         1, 2017.     -   The Person registers the assault weapon by Jan. 1, 2018, in         accordance with subdivision (b) of section 30900.     -   The registration must be submitted electronically via the         internet, through the California Firearms Application Reporting         System (CFARS) at https://cfars.doj.ca.gov. The registration         period will be Jan. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2017.         A ‘fixed magazine’ will be defined to mean an ammunition feeding         device, contained in, or permanently attached to, a firearm in         such manner that the device cannot be removed without         disassembly of the firearm action. The department is drafting         regulations that specify the acceptable methods of registering         an assault weapon. Please refer to the attached Frequently Asked         Questions to find out how this may affect dealers specifically.         To learn more about the firearm laws, refer to the CA         Legislation Information page.         http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billSearchCIent.xhtm 

1. An apparatus comprising: a one-way internally threaded bolt comprising an internally threaded section and a one-way head, hereafter referred to as the Spartan Lock, wherein the internally threaded section is able to engage with the externally threaded portion of the magazine catch, and the head is configured so that a screw driver is only able to rotate the Spartan Lock in a tightening direction.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the Spartan Lock comprises a material that is selected from the group consisting of metal, ceramics, plastics, wood, alloys, and combinations thereof.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a spacer comprising a piece that corresponds to the Spartan Lock.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the Spartan Lock, the spacer, and the magazine catch member are separate.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a firearm; wherein the firearm comprises a receiver; the Spartan Lock extends into the receiver and is engaged with the magazine catch and spacer; and the magazine catch and spacer abuts the receiver.
 6. A method comprising: installing the Spartan Lock; and securing the Spartan Lock to a magazine catch and spacer, such that the magazine catch engages a magazine and the magazine cannot be removed from a receiver.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising inserting the magazine into the receiver.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: moving a takedown pin to a degree to allow an upper receiver to rotate about a pivot pin; rotating the upper to expose an entrance of the magazine; and placing ammunition in the magazine.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising returning the upper to a closed position; and securing the upper to the receiver with the takedown pin. 